Ethnicity Abroad
Why Study Abroad?
Studying abroad can open you up to a world of opportunities, and can have a lasting, positive impact on students. In today’s global society, it is increasingly important for all students to gain exposure to and understanding of other cultures and global issues. No matter your background, studying in another country can change your perspective on both the United States and the rest of the world. In addition, studying abroad can help strengthen your academic skills and make you more marketable for your career and graduate school.
Studies have shown that studying abroad results in benefits for students even after they return home, such as:
- Higher GPA
- Higher 4-year graduation rates
- Marketability for jobs
- Better adaptability, and more!
Need some more proof? Read more here:
: University of California, Merced
Questions to ask
It’s important to consider the cultural norms and/or differences in your host country. You may find yourself in a country that is more open-minded than the US, while other countries are far less open-minded than what you may be used to. You may be feeling anxious about making the choice to study abroad, perhaps worried that you might be the target of racial or ethnic bias in a new country.You may also find yourself in a place where you might “blend in” as a local; perhaps you’re planning to study abroad in a place reflective of your personal heritage. Whatever the situation, it’s important to do your research and plan ahead. How will you answer questions about your background if you’re presented with them?
Planning resources
- Know the safety concerns: , whether regulated by law or just an unwritten part of the local culture (Section 6 of each country’s report will describe human rights practices regarding discrimination, which describes each country’s attitude toward ethnic minorities, as well as which ethnicities are considered “minorities” in that nation)
- has a database of information categorized by location that can help you learn about what is acceptable behavior in your host country, from eye contact to hand holding to communication style.
- The University of Minnesota has released a magazine entitled
- (2000-2002): (sorted by continent & country)
More Resources:
- Information sessions: informal meetings in the study abroad office with peer advisors to go over the basics of study abroad and the application process.
- Walk-in hours for advising: get more specific information from study abroad specialists on specific regions or programs during the fall and spring semesters, by appointment only in the summer.
- A Student's guide to study abroad: download a free comprehensive guide to study abroad.
Planning Resources, categorized by race/ethnicity:
Black/African Americans
- a compilation of African-American students’ study abroad experiences, compiled by the University of Pittsburgh
Scholarships:
- offers a comprehensive list of scholarships for African American individuals
Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders
Scholarships:
- Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund: offers several scholarships
Hispanics/Latinos:
Scholarships:
Native Americans:
Scholarships:
Other scholarships
There are many scholarship opportunities to help finance your study abroad. Remember, you may apply your financial aid to study abroad. Here you will find a list of many of the diversity-related scholarships that are geared toward study abroad programs.
- : for use with CIEE programs.
- : for study at The American University in Dubai.
- : for students going abroad through an IES program.
- : for students going abroad through a CEA program.
- : for students going abroad through an IES program.
- : for students receiving Pell Grants.
- : must have a 3.75 cumulative GPA, but do not have to be a member of the honor society.
Diversity-Related Scholarships: The following scholarships are private scholarships intended for students of diverse backgrounds. They are not specific to study abroad, however, so you should check with each one individually to determine if the funds can be applied toward study abroad programs.
- : The Center for Global Education, list of scholarships
- : “good through graduation” scholarships to racially/ethnically underrepresented students
- for minority students pursuing a degree in a technical field
- : offers a comprehensive list of scholarships for African American individuals
- : scholarships for individuals of Native American descent, both for those attending tribal colleges and for those at non-tribal colleges
- : Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund: offers several scholarships